The Whitecaps infielder blasted a go-ahead shot off Hot Rods closer Jhonleider Salinas to account for the only scoring in the contest and came after West Michigan had been held to just one run in the first 26 innings of the three-game series.

LISTEN: Jordan Pearce’s ninth inning home run

Pitchers Brad Bass and Tobias Myers each held their opponents scoreless in a pitcher’s duel for the third straight evening, as only seven runs were scored by both teams combined in the three-game set. In the ninth, Pearce, the corner infielder from the University of Nevada, launched the first pitch he saw over a high wall in right-center field for a tiebreaking home run. Dylan Rosa, who chipped in with a one-out single in the frame, scored ahead of the homer.

Bass took a no-decision in the contest, allowing only an infield single in six frames on the mound while walking four and striking out five. Bass has not been scored upon in his past three starts, showcasing a scoreless streak spanning 21.1 innings. Johan Belisario (2-0) pitched a perfect three innings while striking out three to pick up his second win, while Salinas (3-2) gave up Pearce’s homer in taking his second loss. The Whitecaps improve back to .500 at 23-23 in the second half and 59-57 overall, keeping the first potential playoff spot in the Eastern Division second-half standings. Bowling Green falls to 75-41 overall and 28-19 in the second portion of 2018. The ‘Caps take the final game of this series despite going 0-for-16 with runners in scoring position during the three-game set against Bowling Green. Friday marked the first one-hitter by the Whitecaps pitching staff since September 3, 2015 when they defeated the Fort Wayne TinCaps in a 7-1 victory.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps continue their three-game road trip with a visit to the Fort Wayne TinCaps for a four-game series beginning Saturday night at 7:05 pm. Pitcher Wilkel Hernandez gets the start against TinCaps lefty and former Cornerstone University alum Ben Scheckler. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty starts on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:55 pm. Tickets are available for any Whitecaps 2018 home contest by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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